Benitez had been open to the prospect of Ronaldo leaving the Bernabeu as he attempted to create a more team-orientated philosophy at the club.

Zidane has now taken over from Benitez and revealed his plans to start with Ronaldo, Bale and Karim Benzema in attack but that does not change the fact Ronaldo will most likely be allowed to go at the end of the season.

Although Bale was left devastated by the departure of Benitez and will reassess his future if his position under Zidane changes, the Welshman remains the club’s key man in the eyes of president Florentino Perez.